Dos and Don'ts in Japan
Politeness plays a crucial role in social relationships in Japan. Some Western tourists traveling in Japan complain about the coldness and distrust they perceive from Japanese people.
Politeness plays a crucial role in social relationships in Japan. Some Western tourists traveling in Japan complain about the coldness and distrust they perceive from Japanese people. However, this is far from the truth—provided you respect a few essential rules of etiquette to gain acceptance (and believe me, the Japanese are far more welcoming than many if you know how to approach them).
Here are these rules, which are not fundamentally different from our own but require strict adherence:
Remain discreet and unobtrusive (rudeness, disorder, and noise are things Japanese people truly dislike).
Public embraces or other physical signs of affection make Japanese people uncomfortable; they perceive them as sexual displays.
Remove your shoes when visiting someone's home, in temples, in traditional hotels, etc. For this purpose, a designated space (tiled or slightly raised from the main floor) is always provided at the entrance for removing and placing shoes. Slippers will be offered to you, so be sure to wear very clean socks! If you need to enter a protected area, such as when visiting a castle, in addition to slippers, you may take a plastic bag to hold your shoes and keep them with you.
Do not blow your nose at the table; it is considered very rude.
Do not stick chopsticks vertically into food; this is a funeral rite.
Do not touch food in a shared dish with your chopsticks unless you're bringing it to your mouth.
Keep smiling; it plays an important role in social interactions.
Japanese people do not kiss or shake hands to greet; instead, they bow slightly, several times if necessary.
Exchanging business cards is very common when meeting someone.
Do not visit someone empty-handed if you're invited; bring a gift. If someone gives you a gift, remember to reciprocate the kindness someday.
Do not open a gift in front of the person who gave it to you; keep it and open it later!
Do not give a knife (breaks friendship) or a mirror (means: take a good look at yourself). White is the color of mourning in Japan and should be avoided!
If you wish to use a public bath (onsen), you must be perfectly clean first and shower before entering.
Eating in the street is not well-regarded, nor is eating in the metro.
If you are sick, wearing a mask to avoid contaminating others will be appreciated.
Do not offer a tip: it does not exist in Japan and may be poorly received.
Respect queues, particularly those at the metro, and follow traffic signals when crossing: there are no exceptions to the rules in Japan, and cars may not stop and could hit you, as they are not accustomed to doing so!
Do not use your mobile phone in the metro, on the train, or anywhere else where it might be particularly bothersome.
Always pick up after your dog!
On the other hand:
Smoking is permitted almost everywhere.
Chivalry as we know it does not exist (traditionally, the wife follows the husband).
In conversation, Japanese people are not easily offended, and it is possible to discuss political or religious topics directly, as they do not place great importance on them.
That's all there is to it—it's not complicated—and this will ensure you have the best possible trip and, above all, allow you to discover the great generosity of Japanese people and their curiosity about our culture.
Frequently asked questions
Yes, in many places: in private homes, in ryokans (traditional hotels), in many temples, and even in some restaurants. A dedicated space (genkan) is always provided at the entrance. Remember to wear clean socks in good condition!
No, tipping is not a Japanese practice and may even be perceived as an insult. Service is included, and the Japanese take pride in providing excellent service without expecting additional compensation.
In Japan, you do not shake hands or embrace. The traditional greeting is the bow (ojigi): incline your torso slightly forward. The deeper the bow, the more respect it conveys.
Several important rules apply at the table: never stick chopsticks vertically into rice (a funeral gesture), do not blow your nose at the table, do not touch a shared dish with your chopsticks unless you're bringing it to your mouth, and avoid eating in the street or on public transport.
In Japan, it is customary not to open a gift in front of the person who gave it to you. Keep it and open it later. If someone gives you a present, it is polite to reciprocate the gesture on a future occasion. Avoid giving a knife (symbol of separation) or anything white (color of mourning).
Mobile phone use is strongly discouraged in public transport (metro, train) and in any place where it might disturb others. Prefer to put your phone on silent mode and avoid phone conversations in these spaces.
